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Prednisone
Depletes
Prolonged use of Prednisone can impact 6 essential nutrients.
Chromium
Research has found that corticosteroids increased chromium excretion in patients after just three days. Chromium is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This is important because corticosteroids themselves can raise blood sugar, contributing to diabetes. Evidence suggests that chromium supplementation improved fasting blood glucose levels in patients with steroid-induced diabetes.
Replace with Chromium Polynicotinate (200 mcg)
Research: Mohn ES, Kern HJ, Saltzman E, Mitmesser SH, McKay DL. Evidence of Drug-Nutrient Interactions with Chronic Use of Commonly...
Potassium
Maintaining healthy potassium levels is important when taking corticosteroids. These medications can increase the amount of potassium the body loses through urine. Potassium is a vital mineral that helps muscles and nerves function properly. While short-term use of corticosteroids might not cause significant problems, studies suggest that with prolonged treatment, the body's ability to maintain proper potassium balance (homeostasis) can be affected.
Replace with Potassium (as gluconate) (99 mg)
Research: Pariury H, Willhoite J, Michlitsch J, Agrawal A. Potassium supplementation mitigates corticosteroid-induced neuropsychiatric...
Calcium
Corticosteroids can lower calcium levels in the body. This is a double threat to bone health because corticosteroids themselves can weaken bones. Calcium is essential for strong bones, and a study showed that supplementing with both calcium and vitamin D3 helped prevent bone loss in people with rheumatoid arthritis taking corticosteroids. Supplementation with calcium should be considered during long term corticosteroid therapy.
Replace with Calcium Citrate (75 mg)
Research: Homik J, Suarez-Almazor ME, Shea B, Cranney A, Wells G, Tugwell P. Calcium and vitamin D for corticosteroid-induced...
Selenium
Corticosteroids can increase the urinary loss of selenium elevating the risk for deficient levels. Selenium is a mineral that acts as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage. Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis patients taking high doses of corticosteroids tend to have lower selenium levels. This is concerning because low selenium intake is linked to osteoporosis, and selenium has been shown to play a role in bone protection in animal models of corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. Supplementation with selenium should be considered during long term corticosteroid therapy.
Replace with Selenium (as Se-Methyl L-Selenocysteine, L-selenomethionine (yeast free), sodium selenite) (150 mcg)
Research: Luo Y, Xiang Y, Lu B, Tan X, Li Y, Mao H, Huang Q. Association between dietary selenium intake and the prevalence of...
Magnesium
Corticosteroids can increase the body's excretion of magnesium, potentially leading to a deficiency. This is concerning because magnesium plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function. Research suggests that magnesium supplementation alleviated corticosteroid therapy associated muscle atrophy. Supplementation with magnesium should be considered during long term corticosteroid therapy.
Replace with Magnesium Citrate (75 mg)
Research: Schutten JC, Joris PJ, Minović I, Post A, van Beek AP, de Borst MH, Mensink RP, Bakker SJL. Long-term magnesium...
Vitamin D
Research suggests corticosteroids can lower vitamin D levels in the body by increasing its breakdown. This is a concern because vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health and the immune system, and corticosteroids themselves can weaken bones. A study found that calcium and vitamin D3 supplements helped prevent bone loss in the lower back (lumbar spine) and hip (trochanter) for people with rheumatoid arthritis who were on low-dose corticosteroids. Evidence suggests vitamin D may work synergistically together with corticosteroids to improve asthma treatment by boosting the effectiveness of corticosteroids or by overcoming resistance to these medications in some patients.
Replace with Vitamin D3 (Cholcalciferol) (1000 IU) (25 mcg)
Research: Banerjee A, Damera G, Bhandare R, Gu S, Lopez-Boado Y, Panettieri R Jr, Tliba O. Vitamin D and glucocorticoids...
Health Impact
Prednisone-induced nutrient depletion can lead to a range of health problems
Reduced Insulin Sensitivity
A systematic review and meta-analysis of chromium supplementation in type 2 diabetes suggests small improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c in some trials, but high-quality randomized studies in prediabetes found no clear benefit, indicating that the clinical impact of chromium depletion remains uncertain.
Research: Asbaghi O et al. Effects of chromium supplementation on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a systematic...
Unfavorable Metabolic Profile
Narrative reviews highlight associations between low chromium and metabolic derangements, yet interventional trials show heterogeneous results, suggesting that any effect of depletion is modest and context-dependent.
Research: Anderson RA. Chromium and insulin resistance. Nutr Res Rev. 2000;13(2):267-286.; Asbaghi O et al. Effects of chromium...
Weakness, Cramps & Fatigue
Clinical reviews of hypokalemia list weakness, fatigue and muscle cramps as hallmark symptoms even with moderate potassium depletion, especially in the context of diuretic use or gastrointestinal losses.
Research: Castro D, Sharma S. Hypokalemia. StatPearls [Internet]. 2025.; MedlinePlus. Low blood potassium (hypokalemia). 2023.;...
Constipation & Rhythm Disturbances
Guideline and textbook sources emphasize constipation and arrhythmias as clinically significant sequelae of hypokalemia, especially at lower serum levels or in patients with underlying heart disease.
Research: Cleveland Clinic. Low potassium level (hypokalemia): causes and symptoms. 2023.; Johnson Memorial Health. Low potassium...
Reduced Bone Density & Fractures
Systematic reviews indicate that increasing calcium intake yields only modest BMD gains and limited fracture risk reduction by itself, but combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation has shown benefits in specific high-risk groups such as postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
Research: Tai V et al. Calcium intake and bone mineral density: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2015;351:h4183.; Liu Y et...
Hypocalcemic Spasms & Tetany
Clinical endocrinology sources describe neuromuscular irritability as a classic manifestation of severe hypocalcemia due to inadequate intake, malabsorption or drug-induced changes in calcium metabolism.
Research: Bilezikian JP. Hypocalcemia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(10):3827-3839.; Khan AA et al. Diagnosis and management of...
Thyroid Hormone Conversion Issues
Reviews of selenium and thyroid disease underscore selenium’s role in deiodinase and glutathione peroxidase activity and note that low selenium status is associated with autoimmune thyroid disease, although supplementation trials show mixed clinical benefit.
Research: Bano I et al. Selenium as a key regulator of thyroid function: a comprehensive review. Nutrients. 2025;17(1):e40358914.;...
Side Effects
Common side effects of Prednisone, some of which may be related to nutrient depletion
Review
Common side effects of Prednisone include:
1. Upset stomach: Prednisone can cause stomach upset or indigestion, leading to nausea, bloating, and acid reflux.
2. Weight gain: Prednisone can cause fluid retention and increased appetite, leading to weight gain.
3. Mood changes: Prednisone can affect mood and can cause irritability, mood swings, and anxiety.
4. Insomnia: Prednisone can disrupt sleep patterns and cause insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.
5. Increased blood sugar levels: Prednisone can cause a rise in blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes.
6. Weakening of the immune system: Prednisone can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
7. Bone density loss: Long-term use of Prednisone can lead to osteoporosis or bone density loss, increasing the risk of fractures.
8. Muscle weakness: Prednisone can cause muscle weakness and fatigue.
9. Skin changes: Prednisone can cause thinning of the skin, increased bruising, and acne.
10. Eye problems: Prednisone can cause cataracts, glaucoma, and blurred vision.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if any of these side effects occur and to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Prednisone.
1. Upset stomach: Prednisone can cause stomach upset or indigestion, leading to nausea, bloating, and acid reflux.
2. Weight gain: Prednisone can cause fluid retention and increased appetite, leading to weight gain.
3. Mood changes: Prednisone can affect mood and can cause irritability, mood swings, and anxiety.
4. Insomnia: Prednisone can disrupt sleep patterns and cause insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.
5. Increased blood sugar levels: Prednisone can cause a rise in blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes.
6. Weakening of the immune system: Prednisone can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
7. Bone density loss: Long-term use of Prednisone can lead to osteoporosis or bone density loss, increasing the risk of fractures.
8. Muscle weakness: Prednisone can cause muscle weakness and fatigue.
9. Skin changes: Prednisone can cause thinning of the skin, increased bruising, and acne.
10. Eye problems: Prednisone can cause cataracts, glaucoma, and blurred vision.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if any of these side effects occur and to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Prednisone.
Get Support
We've curated a list of vetted, recommended individual nutrient third-party supplements.
Shop Third-Party Supplements
Calcium Citrate
by Solaray
The Calcium supplement by Solaray is designed to support bone health and overall wellness by providing a high-quality, bioavailable form of calcium.
Strength: 200mg
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Calcium Citrate
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Potassium (as gluconate)
by Pure Encapsulations
The Potassium supplement by Pure Encapsulations is a dietary supplement designed to support cardiovascular health, muscle function, and electrolyte balance, using high-quality, hypoallergenic ingredients.
Strength: 200mg
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Potassium (as gluconate)
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Chromium Picolinate
by Pure Encapsulations
Pure Encapsulations Chromium supplement is a dietary supplement designed to support healthy glucose metabolism and overall metabolic function, using a highly bioavailable form of chromium.
Strength: 200 mcg
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Chromium Picolinate
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Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate)
by Pure Encapsulations
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium supplement is a dietary supplement designed to support overall health by providing highly bioavailable magnesium to aid in muscle function, energy production, and cardiovascular health.
Strength: 150 mg
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Magnesium (as Magnesium Citrate)
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Selenium (as L-selenomethionine)
by Pure Encapsulations
The Selenium supplement by Pure Encapsulations is a dietary supplement designed to support antioxidant defenses and overall health by providing a bioavailable form of selenium, an essential trace mineral.
Strength: 200 mcg
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Selenium (as L-selenomethionine)
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